U.S. Sees 'Troubling' Tilt by Pakistan to Iran

By ELAINE SCIOLINO, Special to the New York Times

Published: November 1, 1987

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31—
Some senior Administration officials have expressed irritation over what they call Pakistan's tilt toward Iran in the Iran-Iraq war, manifested most recently in criticism of the Reagan Administration's military buildup in the Persian Gulf without condemnation of Iranian attacks on shipping.

Throughout the seven-year war, Pakistan's President, Gen. Mohammad Zia ul-Haq, has sought to portray his country as strictly neutral but has cultivated a friendly relationship with Iran. Pakistan's common border with Iran, its similar policy on Afghanistan, its close trade relationship with Iran, its Iranian exile population, and its reluctance to further alienate a disaffected Shiite minority in Pakistan have contributed to the policy.

In an interview with a Jordanian journalist early this month, General Zia spoke of Pakistan's ''fraternal and good-neighborly relations'' with Iran and an ongoing friendship that has ''brought stability to the region.''

Speaking of United States policy in the gulf, General Zia said, ''It is not correct to say that the interests of the two countries and their views on the problems of the gulf are similar.''

Administration officials say the greatest source of friction with Pakistan remains its nuclear program, which many in Congress and in the Government believe is aimed at producing nuclear weapons. Concern about this has led to a suspension of any new American aid.

A senior State Department official described Pakistan's policy regarding the Iran-Iraq war as ''troubling.''

''It's not a great problem,'' he said,'' but it's a problem.''

Administration officials said they had raised the issue of Pakistan's policy toward Iran through diplomatic channels.

Another, less worrisome, problem is Pakistan's suspension of port calls by United States Navy ships at Karachi after riots there in July and August, according to Administration officials. Pakistani officials cited dangers to American servicemen.

While the Administration officials acknowledge that the riots were an important factor in barring the ships at that time, they are concerned that Pakistan might continue the ban because of its desire to distance itself from the growing American involvement in the Persian Gulf. The United States has not requested additional port calls since then.

A Pakistani official took issue with the American criticism. ''People must understand our position on Iran has a domestic aspect to it,'' he said. ''A large section of the Pakistani population genuinely believes in promoting Iran's interests.''

In addition, 10 percent to 15 percent of Pakistan's population are Shiite Moslems, and they are regarded as a volatile and influential group. More than 90 percent of Iran's population is Shiite.

Tensions between Shiites and Sunni Moslems in Pakistan have increased in the last several months. Rise in Anti-American Sentiment

Pakistani officials have warned Washington of an increasing anti-American sentiment in Pakistan. Pakistan's nuclear program has widespread popular support at home. Accusations by Congressmen that Pakistani leaders are lying about the program have been widely criticized. Because of the impasse on the nuclear issue, the Administration is caught in a dilemma over its six-year, $4 billion package of military and economic aid before the Congress.

The Administration is pressing for the aid largely because of Pakistan's support of the Afghan rebel movement and its sheltering of three million Afghan refugees. But American officials are deeply disturbed by Pakistan's refusal to give what they see as credible assurances that it is not producing enriched uranium that can be used to make nuclear weapons.

For six years, Pakistan has been exempt from a law barring American assistance to countries that import material to develop nuclear weapons and resist international safeguards. The waiver expired in September and the assistance has been suspended.